I know my chapters aren't really as long as most people would like, but I'm doing my best. I'm really working on becoming better at expanding my writing and including more details, so at least I'm trying!
School passed by rather quickly for me, in a blur of experiments, explosions, detentions, and Hogsmeade weekends. Next thing I knew, it was the Halloween feast, and I couldn't find Hermione. I hadn't gotten to really hang out with her much since her birthday (which was practically forever ago!), and I barely even caught a glimpse of her all week. Needless to say, I was a bit worried.
"Hey Ron, have you seen Hermione? I haven't seen her in ages."
Ron grunted and put down his fork, his ears turning red.
"Last I heard, she'd spent all day crying in the girls' bathroom," Harry replied.
I sighed; this can't be good. I turned to Fred to tell him I was going to go check on Hermione, but before I could even get the words out, Professor Quirrell came running in, frantic. "Troll! Troll in the dungeons! Thought you should know." And fainted.
Some Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher he is. The Great Hall went up in a panic, and Dumbledore started shouting. Once he gave us our instructions, I turned back to Harry and Ron. "Which bathroom is she in? We have to get her back to the tower. Weasley Rule #1, brother." They motioned for me to follow, and we headed towards the loo. We spotted the troll...and he was making his way into Hermione's bathroom! "You guys make sure she's okay, I'll find a professor." I hurried off to find someone – anyone –to help, hoping our D.I.D. (that's Damsel in Distress, for those of you not in the know) wasn't actually under attack by a mountain troll...
When I finally found Professor McGonagall, I wasted no time in dragging her to the girls' bathroom. When we got there, the loo was in shambles, the troll was down for the count, and none of the three seemed any worse for the wear. I ran in to hug Hermione while she and the boys explained what happened.
Wait.
She just lied!
She lied to the professors about why she was in there! I guess she just didn't want them to know she'd been crying...I'd have to ask her about that later. I helped her get up, attempting to dust her off in the process. As we made our way back to the tower, she thanked us all again for saving her skin. Guess she's friends with Ron and Harry, now.
-oOo-
Later that night, I turned to Fred and grabbed his shoulder. "Fred. We're going to the kitchens. Come on." He mumbled a bit in protest as I dragged him out of the common room, but I knew he'd never turn down some extra food from the house elves. He does have a Weasley appetite, after all.
We put together a good variety of food, bundled it up, and headed back to the common room. As we stepped through the portrait hole, I spotted Hermione making her way up the girls' stairs.
"Hermione! Come back down here a sec."
She came back down, put her hands on her hips, and asked me what I needed. She was clearly grumpy and ready for bed. "I know you didn't get to eat dinner tonight what with all the mayhem. So me and Fred brought you some food from the kitchens."
"THAT'S why we went to the kitchens?" Fred exclaimed. I just laughed at him.
"It's 'Fred and I,' and thank you. That was very sweet of you guys." She gave us a warm smile. "I suppose it won't hurt to stay up a little later..."
-oOo-
One more class and school's out for Christmas! Finally!
I passed Hermione in the halls on my way to Charms, and didn't like the look on her face – she wasn't nearly happy enough to meet my standards. I asked her what was wrong, and she told me that she didn't want to leave the magical world just yet, even if it was only for a few weeks. I suggested she just stay at Hogwarts and celebrate with us; all her friends were staying anyway. Maybe tell her parents that she just needs to get some extra studying in. Unfortunately, she couldn't...I was surprised to find myself more disappointed than I expected. Huh.
Posted: 18 June 2011
Word Count: 721